Author: Shadow Cats

In Memory of Sukie       6/22/2021 – 6/30/2023

There is never enough time, whether they are with us for many years or just a few months, it is just not enough. Sukie was only with us for 5 months but she was part of our hearts, a friend, family, and just so very loved! But today we had to say goodbye and it just was not enough time.

Sukie came to us by way of one of our volunteers in February of 2023. The volunteer and her roommate found Sukie in Austin Tx as a stray and knew she needed help. They took her in with the intention of keeping her as a new family member but unfortunately, Sukie tested positive for Leukemia and they could not keep her. We had space and so naturally Sukie came to Shadow Cats!

Sukie is stunning! She had the softest and shiniest black coat you have ever seen! She was a very quiet kitty and kept to herself, but she was also not afraid to let her voice be heard. She called Cookie’s Place home, which can be a bit lively at times but our shy girl held her own! She let her new roommates know when they were being too forward. A quick hiss and they knew to leave her be. But she also made friends with other wallflowers. She and newcomer Vance would often be spotted sharing a bed in a quiet condo. It was like she was telling him, “You are safe with me, buddy.”

Sukie was also a rare enigma amongst cats. She absolutely loved belly rubs! And the best part; she was a bit chonky which meant even more to pet. She was never a cat to go out of her way for attention but if you sought her out you would be rewarded with the softest belly and sweetest purrs.

Unfortunately, with feline leukemia, Sukie was healthy right up until she was not. We were able to give her a final gift of passing peacefully surrounded by some of those who have loved and cared for her. We whispered to her how much everyone loved her. She knew love and belly pets before she passed. It was not enough time, but what time we had with her was filled with love.

Thank you so much to Sukie’s sponsor and to the volunteers and staff who have cared for her and loved her so very much.

Sukie had 1 Sponsor

Anne Fajkus

In Memory of Jasper       7/17/2015 – 6/10/2023

Cookie’s has lost a shining star today. Our sweet boy Jasper passed away after a long time struggle with FeLV and IBS.

Handsome man Jasper came to us from Austin by way of San Antonio. He was adopted from a shelter in San Antonio and taken to his new home in Austin. Jasper started having tummy troubles so his new family took him to the vet where he tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Unfortunately, his family already had other kitties at home and were not able to keep Jasper. That is where Shadow Cats came in! In late July of 2022, Jasper officially joined our ranks.

Jasper was never really a fan of his roommates but as time progressed he learned to accept them and tolerate their presence. But who could blame him? He was just so darn handsome and so darn popular with the volunteers, why should he slum it with the other cats? All Jasper truly wanted was to be fawned over by his adoring fans, and fawn they did! From day one Jasper was a superstar and a favorite of the volunteers and the staff. Always looking for a lap to climb into and hands to give chin scritches. It was just a known fact that if you sat down on the Annex catio you would quickly be blessed with a Jasper in your lap. And once he was in your lap you were not going anywhere. But why would you want to?

During his time with us, we tried many different treatments to help with his IBS, from medications to special diets but nothing helped much. Over time the IBS and leukemia started to win out and his body got tired. He no longer ran to us when we walked into the room and he had to be picked up and placed into the laps he loved so very much. This was Jasper’s way of telling us he was ready.

Jasper was given the final gift of a peaceful passing. He was surrounded by those who loved him and was cradled in a lap like he always wanted to be. We will miss your shining light, sweet Jasper.

Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported Jasper and thank you to the staff who has loved and cared for him every day.

Jasper had 3 Sponsors

Kathy  McElroy

Anne Fajkus

Anne Llana-Koob & Chris Koob

In Memory of Watson       5/9/2022 – 5/27/2023

“My dear Watson, you were born to be a man of action. Your instinct is always to do something energetic.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A more perfect description of our boy Watson has never existed. From day one Watson has always been a man of action.

Watson and his brother Holmes came to us from La Vernia, Texas. A good Samaritan house cat brought these two babies home to their human mom. They were scrawny, dirty, and obviously unwell. They were taken to the vet where it was discovered on top of nasty upper respiratory infections, that they were also FeLV+. The vet recommended euthanasia but the rescuer wanted to find some sort of second chance for these sweet siblings.

The brothers quickly made their way to us! Upon arrival, Holmes was the more outgoing of the two while Watson was more cautious. Always protecting his brother and looking out for him and never paying any mind to us humans, Holmes, unfortunately, got very ill and had to go into quarantine so as not to get anyone else sick. The brothers could not bear to be separated. Holmes became depressed and was getting worse and Watson was anxious without Holmes. The reward outweighed the risk and we took the chance of letting Watson join his brother in isolation. By some miracle Watson never got sick and Holmes got better! Watson as always was a man of action and a man who protected his brother!

During their time in Cookie’s the brothers always stayed close but Watson decided his brother was right and us humans aren’t so bad. Watson really came out of his shell and became such a playful goofy boy. He was always the star of photoshoots, always willing to ham it up on screen!

As is unfortunately the case with leukemia they are often healthy until they are not and can turn so fast. This morning was like any other morning with the staff doing their rounds, feeding and cleaning. Holmes spent most of the morning playing with Watson, laying on him and grooming him. But within a matter of hours, the staff noticed Watson was breathing heavily. The team is always quick to check on the cats so they stayed close by hoping he had just over-exerted himself while playing. Minutes passed and his breathing did not change. It was quickly determined Watson was in distress and needed to be seen by the vet. He was taken to the emergency vet where x-rays found fluid around his lungs and signs of cancer. We caught it fast thank goodness so he did not suffer and we were able to give him the gift of a peaceful passing in the arms of our sanctuary manager.

All of our cats are so loved and when one passes it is devastating. We spend every day with these amazing little beings and we are so blessed to do so. They are part of our hearts and huge parts of our lives. The loss of even one is crushing. We find solace in the fact that we make sure every day counts for them and that no matter how long they have with us they know nothing but love.

Thank you so much to our dedicated staff. Our hearts break with you. And thank you to all of Watson’s sponsors and those who have followed his story.

Watson had 1 Sponsor

Beth Heathington

In Memory of Sammy       6/15/2006 – 5/21/2023

Today we said our farewells to one of the most beautiful souls, our precious boy Sammy.

Even though he came with his name as Sammy he has always been Samm to us. What a life Samm has lived. Many years ago Samm was living as a stray in a feral colony. He was being looked after and his caregivers found him to be very friendly, and lucky for Samm they decided to take him home. Along with Samm was his buddy Midnight and he was adopted from the same colony, too.

They were both loved and cared for in a home for almost ten years, very pampered kitties, but circumstances change in people’s lives and Samm and Midnight returned to Shadow Cats. We are that lifetime safety net for our cats and when unforeseen things happen in life at any time, our doors are always open for them to return.

We live by the phrase “Once a Shadow Cat always a Shadow Cat”

These two beautiful boys, Samm and Midnight, were welcomed back with open arms. Midnight had serious health issues soon after he came back and sadly he passed in 2016.

But Samm. Oh my goodness, what a joy it has been for us that he has spent so many years at Shadow Cats. He has been a huge part of the sanctuary, one of the old-timers. He has been part of the very being of the sanctuary. Samm had the most gentle character, this beautiful ginger boy with the most adorable freckles on his nose and lip and the biggest eyes, and the cutest little notch in his left ear from his TNR days. He loved being around us, and loved to wander in and out of the workroom and the Harmony area of the sanctuary to see what was going on – he could be a bit nosey at times! He loved being out on the catio and watching all the happenings outside. He was good at telling time😊, always knowing when meal times were near, and he would be waiting at the door for us to come up the ramp with the food tray! Very photogenic too, he was a good sport when we did dress-up photos for fundraising events. He was a little goofy at times and always made us smile. He was loved by all that met him. He even had his own sleeping room at night because of his special diet and recently he has shared this room with a special lady, our sweet Macaroon. We are sure a little bit of flirting was happening, even at their advanced age!

In recent years Samm has struggled with some major health issues, but through it all he has always been a champ at taking his meds and treatments and the special diets he has had. Sad to say we recently had devastating news confirmed. Samm had a large inoperable mass in his abdomen. He had begun to suffer, and the final gift we can give to our precious cats is a peaceful and gentle passing. Cradled in loving arms, Samm left us surrounded by love and light from all those that cared for him daily. He heard gentle singing and sweet whispers in his ears, telling him he was the best kitty ever and loved deeply by so many. Many tears fell and pieces of our hearts went with you today.

We will miss you very much Samm the Man, our freckled nose boy. Your sweet gentle nature, your very presence, there will be a void at the sanctuary and a huge void in our hearts. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you left us. You were loved beyond expression. At 17 years old and maybe even a little older we think, still not enough time with us…

Rest easy, sweetheart, fly high on your angel wings and watch over us always. Reunited with your best buddy Midnight.

Our thanks to our wonderful staff, our volunteers, and the doctors and staff at Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness. Thanks also to his sponsors, the caregivers who adopted him and Midnight, and all who loved dear Samm from afar.

Sammy had 3 Sponsors

Lynne Pitts

Alicia Brink

Monica Waxman

In Memory of Domino       3/9/2022 – 5/18/2023

Saying goodbye is never easy but when we say goodbye to someone so young it seems so much harder. Today we said goodbye to our sweet boy Domino. He may not have been with us long but boy did he make the time count!

Domino came to us from Vidor, Tx. He was in the same small family unit as Puck, who sadly passed last month. They lived in a group of three under a trailer. Puck and Domino might not have been related but they looked after each other like brothers! So, of course, when their rescuer reached out letting us know Domino also tested positive for Feline Leukemia we knew they had to be reunited.

Domino arrived at Shadow Cats in March of 2023. The poor boy came in quite a state! He was completely covered in fleas and was very lethargic and shy. After a luxurious bath and getting rid of those nasty fleas, Domino was a new man! He is very playful and chatty, and can carry on a conversation for quite some time! He loves snuggles and any attention he can get. Domino and Puck were reunited in Cookie’s Annex and Puck showed the little guy the ropes. Domino quickly learned that while there were soft comfy beds everywhere, if he lay directly in front of the door he would be first in line for pets and first in line for snacks! The staff and volunteers also quickly learned this meant looking in through the window before opening the door so you did not trip over this goofy boy.

It was only 3 months that Domino was with us but those 3 months were overflowing with love! He was a cat who knew how to take advantage of every second. You could tell he was truly grateful to be home at Shadow Cats. He knew that living under that trailer was not all his life was meant for. At the sanctuary, he sucked up every ray of sun and cuddled every lap. He tried every plate of food (even some that were not even his) and said hi to every visitor. He was making up for lost time and making every moment count.

Over the last few weeks, Domino’s body started to slow down, never his love though. He became anemic and was not responding to treatment. He was tired of fighting so he was given the final gift of a peaceful passing in the loving arms of those who cared most for him. We are sure that Puck will be there to greet him at the rainbow bridge and again show him the ropes. Fly high, sweet boy, and give Puck a kiss for us.

Thank you to everyone who has loved and cared for our sweet boy. Thank you to his sponsors and to our staff and volunteers. We know how much you will all miss Domino.

Domino had 3 Sponsors

Gretchen and Kerry McIntyre

Danielle Kriegsman

Pam Lind

In Memory of Jeremy       1/20/2020 – 5/11/2023

Today was a very hard day. Being a shelter that focuses on hospice care we see a lot of hard days. But it never gets any less hard to say goodbye to a friend.

Jeremy was found sitting on a dock in Azle TX. He was the sweetest boy but nobody claimed him so he was taken to the local shelter and found to be feline leukemia positive. His status put him directly on the euthanasia list as there just are not enough resources in small towns across Texas. The staff at the shelter saw his potential; they saw his spark and his sweetness. They knew he should have a real chance at life. Thank goodness the staff at the shelter contacted us and we were able to take Jeremy. His bags were packed and he was on his way. Well, as soon as he arrived we were smitten! All he wanted was love and cuddles, this big ’ ole hunk of a tabby cat!

It was not just the humans here at Shadow Cats that fell in love with Jeremy. He was so sweet he was instantly accepted by all the cats. In all his time in Cookie’s Place, we do not think he was ever in one single scuffle. More often than not Jeremy was found in the middle of a cuddle puddle. Jeremy became Uncle Jeremy or Daddy Jeremy. He buddied up with Pixie, the mom of Cookie’s, and the two of them took care of ALL the cats, especially the kittens. Those two groomed, snuggled, and doted on all the kitties. While he never went out of his way to get attention from humans he was always the center of attention with his fur-friends!

When Jeremy became symptomatic and started feeling unwell, we made the decision to move him to isolation so we could better monitor his eating and drinking. It was not long before it became obvious that Jeremy was not ok with being solo. We could not move him back to Cookie’s so he made his way to the office/break area. Boy, was Jeremy pleased with his new digs! He split his time between napping next to the Sanctuary Director and sitting on the laps of the staff while they ate their lunches. While being sick was not ideal, Jeremy came out of his shell and his sweet personality really shined. He became such an important part of all of our days. He would greet us at the door when we came in and would make the rounds for pets from everyone during meetings. He may have even sent a few extra emails that he should not have been sent.

Every time we thought Jeremy was improving he would take a step backwards. We joked that he was just playing it up to get to stay in the office. But we knew that was not the case. He was getting tired of fighting, but he never stopped showing us love and affection. Jeremy was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him in his last moments as he went over the rainbow bridge. The hands of those who cared for him, fed him, and loved him, slowly rubbing his head and petting his fur. He brought us all so much love and we know we gave it all right back to him. We love you so much, Jeremy. Rest easy, sweet boy.

Thank you so much to everyone who has loved and supported Jeremy; thank you to his sponsors, our volunteers, and the amazing staff. We know how much you will miss him. Thank you for everything you do!

Jeremy had 2 Sponsors

Lee Owensby

Anne Llana Koob

In Memory of Puck       8/17/2017 – 5/3/2023

It does not matter how long a cat is with us, they are all so very loved. This rings true for our dear sweet Puck. He came to us in February of 2023 and it was love at first sight! Before Shadow Cats, Puck was part of a small group of cats living under a mobile home. Puck took good care of his little family. Then a caring rescuer near Houston noticed he was not looking too well and trapped him and took him to her vet where he tested positive for leukemia and FIV. He was also found to be severely anemic and had some significant but unknown eye damage.

This sick boy had few options where he was. With no foster or resources, Puck’s rescuer contacted Shadow Cats and fortunately, we had room. Not long after Puck arrived his friend from the mobile home was trapped as well and also tested positive for FeLV. Puck and Domino were reunited shortly after and Puck was able to show Domino the ropes in Cookie’s Annex.

Puck was a lover from day one. He had spent so long taking care of others he was more than happy to be taken care of for once. He loved to spend as much time as possible in laps. So much so that if you even crouched down in his room he would sneak into your lap before you even had a chance to notice. Puck quickly became a volunteer favorite (who are we kidding a favorite of everyone) with his snuggling antics.

Puck seemed to do really well for a bit and we had high hopes but unfortunately, it was all too much for his little body. His anemia could not be stabilized and he started to lose interest in eating. But true to Puck’s nature he was snuggling until his very last day. He let us know that he was ready and he was given the final gift of a peaceful passing while in the arms of those who loved him.

Thank you so much to everyone who has loved and supported Puck, his sponsors, and our volunteers. Special thanks to our caring staff who have loved and cared for Puck every day at the sanctuary. We may not have had long with you, Puck, but you made the time count!

Puck had 2 Sponsors

Anne Fajkus

Gretchen and Kerry McIntyre

In Memory of Banksy       11/3/2019 – 4/10/2023

This evening we said our goodbyes to our precious boy Banksy. Hearts were heavy as we knew his time with us was nearing an end but nothing ever truly prepares the heart to say goodbye.

Just three and a half years old, Banksy was quiet but once he did find your lap, nothing made him happier than to make a few circles there and then curl up for as long as you’d let him – and not many of us had the heart to get up! Banksy came to us from Austin Animal Center in November 2022 with feline leukemia positive and later developed lymphoma. He never lost his sweetness and we were happy to give this sweet boy a home. While he was here just five short months, he felt all the love we had to give. He lived in the moment and during his time here, he was warm, dry, safe, loved, had plenty of sinks to drink from, and never ran out of those willing laps. He spent the winter snuggled into a warm bed with his best play buddies and this spring he felt the first warm breezes as he watched the birds and the squirrels from the safety of the catio ramps he loved to stretch out on and which provided him the best vantage point of his world.

While it was not to be for him to have a long life at the Sanctuary, we always focus on the quality, and believe us when we say, Banksy had it all. We know that is what he took with him to the Bridge.

Thank you to the amazing staff who looked after him each day and loved him, to the caring volunteers who spent time with him, and to his wonderful sponsors who made it possible to support his needs and loved him from afar.

Thank you to all who work together to make life better for cats like Banksy, no matter how long or short that life may be.

Rest in peace, sweet Banksy, you were so loved. Fly free with your new angel wings.

Banksy had 3 Sponsors

Anne Fajkus

Jeanette Cacciola

Crileen Kixmoeller

In Memory of Gracie       3/26/2020 – 3/24/2023

Gracie came to us all the way from the streets of Irvine, California with her friends, Jacky, Sergeant, and Frankie. All three came to us as young kitties and all three came to us with Feline Leukemia.

Compared to her Cali buddies Gracie was a wallflower. She kept to herself and was never front and center when it came to asking for attention. But all it took was a little bit of love and Gracie became your friend forever! There has never been a kinder more dedicated cat, once you got to know her. For those of us who had that bond with Gracie, she would come running the second you came into the room. She would follow us wherever we went and always made sure to check in with us.

Gracie always treated her fellow kitties with respect. She never was one to start a fight or get in the middle of things. But that is not to say she did not have friends. She was equally loved and loved equally. You could find Gracie snuggled up with anyone from her Cali friends to new kitties still trying to fit in. Stevie is our only kitty in Cookie’s Place who is completely blind, and she has always been a bit of a loner. But when it comes to Gracie she never complains when it comes to sharing a bed!

Much is the way with leukemia Gracie was healthy right up until she was not, and then it hit and hit hard. One day she was doing her normal following and then the next it was noticed she did not come out to say “hi.” Things moved quickly and her issues were beyond treatment. Gracie was able to pass peacefully in the arms of those who loved and cared for her. She will always be remembered for her gentle nature. For such a small shy girl she will leave a big hole in our hearts. We are sure she will be greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by Sergeant and Frankie, once again reunited.

Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported Gracie over the years, her sponsors, and our volunteers. Special thanks to our caring staff who have loved and cared for Gracie every day at the sanctuary.

Gracie had 3 Sponsors

Jeni and David Johnson

Mary Diermier

Julie Hill

In Memory of Mouse       6/10/2022 – 3/23/2023

Our sweet spunky little Mouse. She was a star from day one. An elderly couple in Cedar Park, TX, reached out to ask for help. They had trapped for TNR and then cared for feral cats that wandered into their yard for years but one mom cat that they named Slim evaded trapping over and over. Our friends at Feral Life Guards (FLG) set up multiple cameras, traps, and even remote triggers and it still took months to finally trap Slim for spaying. In that time, she had a litter of kittens and only one of them survived. Mouse was that kitten. She was trapped and taken into foster care. She was sweet and thrived and LOVED other kittens she met, especially her foster brother, Newt. They loved each other so much that FLG planned to adopt them as a pair. Unfortunately, Mouse tested positive for Feline Leukemia and came to Shadow Cats to live out her life.

She arrived at Shadow Cats a week before her “brother” Newt. Mouse was the tougher, more confident of the two, Newt was smaller, shy, and frail. Their foster hoped that since they were not littermates Newt would be negative. Unfortunately, a week later he tested positive and we were able to reunite them quickly. Newt had become very quiet and subdued without his sister but as soon as they were placed together, she was all over her brother and was able to bring him out of his shell.

Eventually, they both were moved to Cookie’s place so they could be with all our other rambunctious kitties. Mouse of course took the room with no issues. She even did a great job of pushing Newt to be more outgoing. Occasionally Newt would have leukemia flare-ups, where he would not be feeling well. Mouse always took care of her brother and made sure to check in on him and give him snuggles when he wasn’t feeling well. By 9 months old, the two were doing great! Mouse was a little fireball, always playing with friends or seeking out volunteers for snuggles. Not only did Mouse have an outgoing personality, she had a set of vocal cords to match! Mouse loved to chat with anyone and everyone, and with the way she would meow at you, it really felt like you were having such a fun chat!

Unfortunately, leukemia is a cruel disease that can take even the strongest cat. Mouse became lethargic and was not her spunky self. We discovered she had started to develop fluid around her heart. After many treatments were tried, she let us know that she was tired and could not go on. She was able to say goodbye to her brother and he gave her one last good snuggle. Mouse passed peacefully in our arms and she will be so dearly missed. Our sweet star burned so very bright!

Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported Mouse, her sponsors, and our volunteers. Special thanks to our caring staff who have loved and cared for Mouse every day at the sanctuary.

Mouse had 1 Sponsor

Ray & Sonia Sinclair